Lonnie Ray Hazen, 68, of Stark, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2011 at his home.
Lonnie was born in Chanute, Kansas on March 3, 1943, the son of Oren W. Hazen and Faye Lenora (Peacock) Hazen Pruitt. He graduated from Sawyer High School in Sawyer, KS.
Lonnie was a Career Naval Officer serving during the Vietnam War. He completed his naval service in 1985 with the rank of ATCS, Senior Chief Aviation Electronics. He then worked as a civil servant at the Lakehurst Naval Base in Lakehurst, NJ from 1987 until 1996. He returned to Stark, his childhood home, in 1996, and worked for the Green Bush Educational Center until his retirement.
Lonnie was united in marriage to Rhoda Jolene Hodgden on April 26, 2011 in Edwardsville, IL.
Lonnie is survived by his wife Rhoda Jolene Hazen of Stark, KS; four daughters, Mary E. Hazen of Chanute, KS, Terry L. Kelley of Arma, KS, Michelleen J. Horning of Mulberry, KS, and Elizabeth L. Horning of Frontenac, KS; a step-daughter, Barbara D. Gonzalez of Topeka, KS; a step-son, Robert Pillie of Rochester, NY; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his mother, Faye L. Pruitt of Chanute, KS; and siblings, Otheta Hartin of Bellevue, NE, Oleta Schooley, Earl Pruitt Jr., Earla Allen, and Rodger Pruitt, all of Chanute, KS.
He was preceded in death by his father, Oren W. Hazen; and a brother, Leon Hazen.
Funeral services will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel in Chanute. Burial will follow in the Walnut Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left with the family.
Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.